Good workout tonight. Did something to my right quad on set 2 where I had that little stutter rep. Nothing that a bit of dirt won't fix I'm sure. I'm able to walk, put weight on it and going up and down the stairs wasn't an issue. Just very aware of it atm.

Had a discussion with Shawn after my last close grip workout about grip width. I widened my grip today on flat bench and immediately noticed a difference. It felt great. Bench was about a 7.5-8 today on the rpe scale.

Close Grip Bench

3 x 1953 x 1953 x 195

Widened my close grip width as well. Each rep slow and to full lockout. No issues whatsoever. Felt strong today.

Deads were not pretty yesterday. Was struggling a bit with grip and honestly jumped up to my working weight with very minimal warmup yesterday. Form was shit. By the end I was feeling a real twinge going in my lower back. Thought I'd wait and try again in the evening after a couple of good meals etc. Took my kids apple picking in the afternoon and could barely lift my 6 year old up to get an apple. Started getting pretty worried and could barely get off the couch yesterday. This morning I was really stiff. Shawn sent me a good link that Alan Thrall wrote about when something similar happened to him. If I can figure out how to post it in here I will. By the end of work today I was feeling a bit looser. I got home and did some very light deads and air squats. I also tried some Kettlebell swings which helped a bit. Didn't push any heavy deadlift work today though.

Bench (today)

5 x 1905 x 1905 x 1905 x 1905 x 190

Lat pulldowns 666

Feeling okay right now. Calling it short on those deads for this week. I'll pause dead at the end of the week with the lighter weights and see how it goes.

Really good workout tonight. I love days like this where I have lots of time and HOCKEY'S BACK

Squats felt really good and almost easy again up until about 7 each set but that's because 7 reps are stupid Bench felt light as hell. I'm feeling like I'll destroy my 235 from last April this next meet. I was obviously very worried about deads going in. Shawn gave me some good tips on bracing and I am proud to admit that I was not even coming close to doing it properly lol deads felt light but look awkward as I get used to the new form. Tried 2 sets with the belt but ditched it for set 3. I hate the belt with deads.